The HISTORY of SOCIAL MEDIA in the PHILIPPINES

Before getting into social media in the Philippines, let's first explore how the country connected with the international web. On March 29, 1994, Benjie Tan started the Philippines' first internet connection via a PLDT network center in Makati City.

Since establishing the country's link to the international web, the digitalization of the Philippines slowly gained traction. In 2002, Friendster was one of the first social media platforms to penetrate and thrive in the country.

At its peak, Friendster had over 8 million users. The site's main feature was its testimonial section, known locally as "testi.' It was a section profile where users could leave comments about the person, whether it be a lengthy essay describing how they met or how appreciative they were of each other.

Of course, while Facebook has taken over Friendster as the most used app in the country, that does not discredit the other platforms making it big in the Philippines' cyberspace. You can find some of the current statistics and facts about social media in the Philippines below. Can use this information as leverage in choosing the proper social channel.

Social Media Statistics in the Philippines

1) There were 76.01 million social media users in the Philippines, in 2022 - Meltwater

2) 82.4% of Filipinos are social media account holders - Meltwater

3) The Philippines ranks second worldwide in average daily social media usage at 4 hours and 6 minutes - Meltwater

4) The Philippines saw a 34% increase in social media users from 2021-2022 - Meltwater

5) As of July 2022, Facebook accounts for around 91.1% of the social media market - Statista

6) The number of Instagram users in the Philippines is projected to increase to 18.53 million

users by 2025 - Statista

7) Twitter had 10.50 million users in the Philippines in early 2022 - Date Reportal

8) YouTube had 56.50 million users in the Philippines in early 2022 - Date Reportal

9) TikTok had 35.96 million users aged 18 and above in the Philippines in early 2022 - Date Report

Facts About Social Media in the Philippines

1) The Philippines is the social media capital of the world - Statista

2) Facebook is the most used media platform in the Philippines - Meltwater

3) 51.4% of all users in the Philippines follow celebrities and influencers - Meltwater

4) 97.2% of users in the Philippines prefer using mobile phones when accessing social media Meltwater

5) Filipinos rank globally as some of the most active internet users - Rappler

Various social media have an impact that helps make them effective business tools.

Social Media Trends in the Philippines

1) The rise of Instagram reels and their contribution to the marketing success

One of the most prominent social media trends in the Philippines is the rise of short-form videos. One example is Instagram reels which people have been using to get more IG followers. In 2022, the Instagram reels feature-more commonly known as IG reels- entered the Philippines. Businesses now have an additional means of advertising their goods and services by capitalizing short form videos slowly taking over by cyberspace.

2) Brand partnership with the influencers on social media

Influencer Marketing has been around for quite some time. This type of marketing leverages an influencer's following to get more conversions. While this technique isn't new, it still proves very effective.

Almost 70% of people bought a product due to an influencer's recommendation. Moreover, it also has significantly less exposure than reaching the same audiences with paid advertising efforts.

3) The rise of the one-minute video

The one-minute video is meant to be brief, direct, and concise. These time-restricted films are effective because they're quick and fun to consume, making them simple for users to digest or forget. Moreover, these short-form videos are easy on the eyes and have been designed for mobile viewing, so you don't need to hold your phone horizontally to watch a clip.

4) User-generated content

As the Covid-19 pandemic detached Filipinos from their normal daily lives, some social media platforms paved the way for entertainment. However, as the pandemic continued, more people started going down the path of content creation on Tik-Tok, YouTube, and Instagram, it has become quite a popular trend to write testimonials about various goods and services and post them on their channels for the general public to read.

5) Leveraging Social Connections

The Philippines has come for since its link to the international web in 1994. Modern-day technologies have paved the way for development and innovations that we continue to use and improve.

From genuine connections to improved business strategies, digital media has proven its advantages and benefits to the modern world. It's safe to say that with continuous refining of social media in the Philippines, brands can continue their pursuit of the next big thing. With the help of the current trends, backed up by solid facts, curating an effective marketing strategy will be achievable.

If you need help with social media marketing. Spiralytice offers effective tools and strategies to help you achieve business success.

Philippines Social Media FAQs

1) What is the fastest-growing social media platform in the Philippines?

In the Philippines, the fastest-growing social media platform is TikTok. The platform has exceeded three billion downloads worldwide, making it the first non-meta (Facebook and Instagram's parent compose app to do so.

Tik-Toks content nature makes it the platform of choice for younger Millennials and Generation Z. From remixes and mashups to dance crazes and convenient shopping Tik-Tok becomes a window into modern youth outline.

2) Which social media platform is best for promoting in the Philippines?

Social media platforms allow businesses to market and advertise, but the best answer will be according to your requirements. Some businesses need a more streamlined process, while others only need an official website or page to get the business going. Whatever the requirements, ensure that you choose a platform that fits your business and audience's needs.

However, its worth noting that Facebook remains the most active social media tool in the Philippines, with about 80 million users.

3) Is Twitter a great marketing tool in the Philippines?

Filipinos engage through digital marketing on Twitter and use this platform for live info dissemination. Furthermore, the site is also excellent for gathering customer insights and establishing trust because of its short-text post format. These short-text post formats make it easy for businesses to market on Twitter flawlessly. They can send messages directly, without focusing on the flowery words.

4) Why use Facebook Group for social media marketing in the Philippines?

Facebook Groups offer businesses and their customers a platform for social proofing. This allows businesses to network where customers can share their insights and experiences on a plethora of topics such as brands, post times, or products.

Filipino buyers are known for their distinct purchasing habits. An example would be their eagerness to be knowledgeable of the available goods and services offered to them. Family, friends, relatives, and co-workers are just a few of the people who have an impact on Filipino consumers' purchasing decisions.

You can use Facebook groups to engage your target and current audience as a business. You can use these groups to discuss problems and find solutions with your customers. Conversely, you can get feedback from customers' experiences to help you improve.

What is the rate of Internet addiction in the Philippines?

5%

Internet addiction is the highest in the Philippines, according to both the IAT (15%) and the CIAS-R (21%). Internet addictive behavior is common among adolescents in Asian countries.

How is the Philippines ranked in social media use?

According to Statista, the world's social media users count 4.26 billion people. In a more local setting, in 2021; The Philippines ranked first with the highest media usage rate.

Social Media in the Philippines:

Facts, Statistics, History, & Trends

Josella Caparas - 2/18/2023

Social media is one of the world's top communication channels if not the tip. Since its rise, it has impacted not only people how to communicate but also how they live. From food and medication to education and work. Social media bridges the physical and virtual worlds, making connections easier.

To showcase social media effects, let's take a look at the numbers. According to Statista, the world's social media users count was 4.26 billion people. In a more local setting in 2021, the Philippines ranked first with the highest social media usage rate. The country's average-daily use was over four hours, which is 60% higher than normal.

Some of the most popular social media platforms in the Philippines include:

1) Facebook

2) Facebook Messenger

3) Instagram

4) TikTok

5) Twitter

These platforms have specific use bases that just about any business can tap into and capitalize on. Relevant social media statistics in the Philippines provide marketers with insight into the power of adapting digital media to their strategies.

The infographic below will give you a comprehensive look into social media in the Philippines, its history, how it is affecting the Filipino population, and what the trends say about its future.

When did the Internet start in the Philippines?

Phil set become operational in 1994 during the First International E-mail Conference at the University of San Carlos Technology Center in Tacloban in Talamban, Cebu

What was the first social media in the Philippines?

Friendster was one of the first social media networking platforms in the Philippines when it was established in 2002.

Social Media Statistics in the Philippines

There were 76.01 million social media users in the Philippines in 2002 82.4% of Filipinos are social media account holders.

The Philippines ranks second worldwide in average daily social media usage in 4 hours and 6 minutes. The Philippines saw a 3.4% in social media users from 2021 to 2022. As of July 2022, Facebook accounts for around 91.1% of the Philippines' social media market.

The member of Instagram users in the Philippines is projected to increase to 18.53 million users by 2025, Twitter had 10.50 million users in the Philippines in early 2022.

Facts about social media in the Philippines

Facebook is the most used social media platform in the Philippines 97.2% of users in the Philippines prefer using mobile phones when accessing social media.

The Philippines is the social media Capital of the World. 51.4% of all users in the Philippines follow celebrities and influencers. Filipinos rank globally as some of the most active internet users.

Social media trends in the Philippines

The rise of Instagram reels and its contribution to marketing success. Brand partnerships with influencers on social media, the rise of one-minute video. User-generated content.

FACTS

A fact and observation about the social media phenomenon and the Philippines known to be the social media capital of the world. And ranked first with the highest social number of media users.